Field Visit
Date 15 December 1914
Event ID 1088615
Category Recording
Type Field Visit
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1088615
260. Mertoun Old Church.
The fragmentary remains of the ancient church stand in an enclosed burial-ground on the north bank of the Tweed, about 750 yards east of Mertoun House. They consist of the east wall, partly reconstructed, and portions of the north and south walls, all reduced to within 8 feet of the ground. The internal width has been 14 feet. The church of Mertoun was dedicated by Bishop Bernham in 1241.
Grave-slabs.
(1) Near the end of the east wall is a slab measuring 3 feet 4 inches in length, 21 inches in breadth at the upper end, diminishing to 16 inches at the lower. Carved in relief on its upper 'surface is a fine floriated cross set on a stepped base.
(2) Leaning against the south wall of the ruin is a slab 5 feet long,1 foot 8 inches broad at the head and 1 foot 6 inches at the base, with the letters T P incised at the upper end. Towards the east side of the slab is an incised sword, 3 feet 10 inches in length. The shaft broadens towards the base, and terminates with a rounded end. The edges of the slab are chamfered and the corners rounded.
(3) Also leaning against the south wall is a coped slab with roll moulding on edges and faint trace of a sword on upper surface: over 5 feet long.
See Ber. Nat. Club, 1890-91, p. 145 (illus.).
RCAHMS 1915, visited 15th December 1914.
OS Map: Ber., xxx. SW. and SE.
